We’re spending more time at home than ever before, and many of us have looked to extensions to help life run a little smoother. If you’ve turned your sideboard into a computer desk, your dining table into a classroom, or your shed into a gym - now might be the time to indulge in a little more space.
If you’ve been sitting on the idea of building an extension for a while, now’s the time to go for it. Here’s why.
Most of us wish our homes had a little more living space. Whether you’d benefit from a home office, dining room, or more space for a growing family, building an extension can help massively.
Choose to extend your downstairs living space into an open plan kitchen/diner, or build a sun house to get a little more vitamin D in the warmer months. There’s plenty of options out there, and an architect can help you to make the space fit your needs.
Building an extension is a fantastic way to add financial value to your home. You’re not only creating more room, but you’re also building something that makes your home stand out from others on the market.
For this to work effectively, make sure to design and build a quality extension that will stand the test of time. Have a specific purpose for your extension in mind and build around the idea, whether you need a dining room, gym, or even a home cinema.
Once you have insulated and ventilated your property, you should then examine the best way to heat and cool your property when required. Air conditioning units can be installed within a refurb project or a new build, but these can be costly to install and run. Another issue with this method is that they can be unsightly if not done correctly or misuse in design.
Underfloor heating is also becoming more popular in bespoke properties where people are wanting an alternative to radiators. Government grants and schemes are generally available to help people upgrade their boilers to more energy-efficient ones, too.
While some of us like to jump from place to place, most really value the idea of a strong family home that’s been passed through the generations. If you’re feeling a little tired of your space but don’t want to move, an extension is the answer- it’s much more cost-effective and takes away the hassle of buying, selling, and moving.
This could be seen as a fun family project - discuss what you’d each like to get out of the space, then take it from there. You’ll find plenty of solutions to help you meet the needs of everyone.
We know that homeowners are largely put off extensions because of the planning permission needed to build one. The truth is, however, that you probably won’t even need to apply for it. Most home extensions come under the ‘permitted development’ header, meaning you don’t need to ask for permission first.
You’ll need to meet the following criteria to build without permission from your local authority:
The extension will not make alterations to the existing roof
The extension will not have a satellite dish or other antenna
The extension will not include a raised platform such as a balcony or veranda
The extension will take up less than half of the property’s land
The top of the extension will not be higher than the current roof
The top of the extension will not be higher than the roofs of neighbouring properties
No chimney, vent pipe, or flue will be installed
Ready to get started on building an extension? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help create the perfect space for your home.
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